#WednesdayWisdom – Consumer Reports is Awesome

When you’re about to make a big or important purchase what’s the first thing you do? Head to Google? See what kind of reviews you find on sites like Amazon? Well there’s one resource that has been around for over 75 years that “empower[s] consumers with the knowledge they need to make better and more informed choices.” That resource, which is today’s #WednesdayWisdom,is Consumer Reports.

You might be wondering what makes this resource worthy of being highlighted. Well, if you want to know which vacuum is best for your living situation (maybe you have 10 cats, we don’t judge), or which laptop you should buy as you head back to school, or which car will really get you the best gas mileage. Consumer Reports can offer up that information.

Consumer Reports “serves consumers through unbiased product testing and ratings, research, journalism, public education, and advocacy.” They test and rate products so you know if they live up to the claims they’re making.

The next time you’re debating which cell phone you should get, or find yourself needing to buy a new washer and dryer, head to Consumer Reports to get ratings on offerings from all the big names out there. Trust us, it will be worth your time!

The library offers access to this resource in a number of ways. We have print copies of the magazine which comes out monthly. The issues from the current year are found on the first floor of the library in the Periodicals section (back by the Help Desk). Issues from the previous 4 years can be found on the second floor in the row of shelves located to the far right.

And finally, we have the Consumer Reports Buying Guide(TX 335 .A1 C6 2015) on our book shelves. The 2015 copy is located in the Reference Section of the library and copies 2010-2014 are shelved on the second floor with the rest of our books.

So shop smart. Consumer Reports is a resource the library provides so you can have access to all that it offers. Take advantage of it while you’re here! 🙂